Strong interest in wartime airbase

Bruton Knowles has sold an historic ex-airbase on the Northants/Beds border on behalf of Defence Estates to a businessman with interests in renewable energy.

RAF Chelveston near Caldecott was home to the B17 Flying Fortresses of the US Eighth Air Force’s 305th Bombardment Group, which took part in many raids across Europe between 1942 and 1945.

Selling agent Matthew Peters said there had been significant international and national interest in the 758-acre site, despite most of it consisting of poor pastureland with limited agricultural value.

“Over 500 sets of particulars were sent out and expressions of interest were received from 50 interested parties.”

In the end, 26 applied to the formal tender process and the purchaser paid around the 1500/acre guide price, said Mr Peters.